Iowa rally falls short at Penn State

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - A furious Iowa rally fell short tonight in a 69-64 loss at Penn State.

The Hawkeyes (13-13, 5-8 Big Ten) trailed by 16 points early in the second half and appeared listless on both ends of the court. But Iowa chopped away at Penn State's lead, aided considerably by Matt Gatens, and cut its deficit to two points twice inside the game's final three minutes.

But the Nittany Lions (12-15, 4-10) responded. Jermaine Marshall drilled a 3-pointer with 1:43 left in the game to give Penn State a 66-61 lead. Gatens, who scored all but two points in the second half, responded with a jumper in the lane to move Iowa within 66-63.

Iowa forced the Lions into a bad shot, and Melsahn Basabe grabbed the rebound. Basabe was fouled by Marshall, but missed both free throws.

On Penn State's next possession, Jon Graham hit two free throws to essentially clinch the game and give Penn State a 68-63 lead with 24.6 seconds to go.

Free-throw shooting doomed Iowa down the stretch. The Hawkeyes made 18-of-27 and missed four in the last 2:40.

Gatens sanks his first five shots of the second half - all 3-pointers - and finished with 21 points.